People pack for Riga's cold and forget its rain. July is the wettest month of the year, and summer here brings more rain days than spring. A waterproof layer earns its place in every season, and good shoes matter on the Old Town cobbles.
Riga weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 1°C34°F | 2°C36°F | 7°C45°F | 12°C54°F | 17°C63°F | 21°C70°F | 23°C73°F | 22°C72°F | 20°C68°F | 11°C52°F | 5°C41°F | 3°C37°F |
| Low | -3°C27°F | -3°C27°F | 0°C32°F | 4°C39°F | 7°C45°F | 12°C54°F | 15°C59°F | 14°C57°F | 13°C55°F | 5°C41°F | 1°C34°F | -1°C30°F |
| Rain days | 14 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 9 | 14 | 19 | 16 | 8 | 16 | 11 | 18 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold and damp. Highs are 1–3°C (34–37°F) and lows -3°C (27°F) to -1°C (30°F), with 12 to 18 rain or snow days a month. Bring a warm, waterproof coat, a hat and gloves. Days are short, so plan sights early and cafés for late afternoon.
Spring
March–MayHighs rise from 7°C (45°F) in March to 17°C (63°F) in May, with lows of 0–7°C (32–45°F). May is the driest month of spring at 9 rain days. Layers are the answer, since a sunny afternoon can still turn cold by evening along the Daugava.
Summer
June–AugustPleasant at 21–23°C (70–73°F) highs and 12–15°C (54–59°F) lows, but wet. July has 19 rain days and August 16. Pack a rain shell and a light sweater. It's the season for Jūrmala beach trips and the long Midsummer nights.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is mild at 20°C (68°F) with only 8 rain days, the driest month of the year. Then it drops fast to 5°C (41°F) highs by November, with lows of 1–13°C (34–55°F) and October bringing 16 rain days. Pack a warm jacket from October on.
What to bring to Riga
0 of 19 packedPacks into its own pocket for Riga's rainy summers, when July brings 19 wet days.
A waterproof shell that packs small, so it can stay in your bag all day on Old Town walks.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool wrap that adds warmth on a freezing Riga evening and doubles as a blanket on the flight.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing helps keep your phone and guidebook dry when the rain hits halfway through a walk.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Phone, cards and passport in one bag with lockable zips for busy markets and trams.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Cold weather drains phone batteries quickly, and this pocket battery plugs straight in with no cable.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Has the EU plug for Latvia's sockets plus USB ports for everything else.
Clothing
- Insulated winter coat · 1Winter lows of -3°C
- Thermal base layers · 2 sets
- Warm hat, scarf and gloves · 1 set
- Light sweater · 2Summer highs only reach 23°C
- Water-resistant trousers · 1
Footwear
- Waterproof shoes with grip · 1 pairSlippery Old Town cobbles
- Wool socks · 4 pairs
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1July is wettest, 19 rain days
Health and toiletries
- Hand cream and lip balm
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign fees
Tech
- Phone charging cable · 1
What shoes should you pack for Riga?
Waterproof walking shoes with good soles. Old Town is cobblestone, and wet cobbles get slippery. In winter, insulated boots with grip handle the ice and slush. Thin knit sneakers will soak through on a rainy day.
What do people wear in Riga?
Neat and practical. Dark coats, jeans, boots and good knitwear are normal in Old Town and the Art Nouveau district. Locals dress well but sensibly for the weather. A smart jacket works for the opera or a nice dinner.
What plugs does Riga use?
Latvia uses types C and F at 230V, the standard European two-pin plugs. Travelers from the US, UK and Australia need an adapter. Check that any US devices handle 230V.
Tours and things to do in Riga
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Riga.
What should you leave at home for Riga?
Leave the rolling suitcase if you can, the cobbles chew up small wheels. Skip a fragile umbrella, since wind off the Gulf of Riga can flip it. Leave suede shoes at home too, the rain and winter salt ruin them.
Packing for Riga: questions people ask
How cold is Riga in winter?
Highs are 1–3°C (34–37°F) and lows -3°C (27°F) to -1°C (30°F) from December to February. Bring a warm, waterproof coat, a hat and gloves.
What should I wear in Riga in summer?
Light layers and a rain jacket. Highs are 21–23°C (70–73°F), but July has 19 rain days, so stay ready for showers.
What shoes are best for Riga Old Town?
Waterproof walking shoes with a grippy sole. The cobbles are uneven and slippery when wet.
What should I wear in Riga in October?
A warm jacket, layers and waterproof shoes. Highs are around 11°C (52°F) with lows near 5°C (41°F), and it rains on about 16 days.
Do I need an adapter in Riga?
Yes, unless you use European plugs. Latvia uses types C and F at 230V.
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